^ Pretty much what I believe and stated earlier. The stakes are too high for anyone to strike first. NK will try and make the US blink, while NK sits back and laughs at the trouble it's making the US go through to counter their 'threat'. The missile test will serve two purposes. First, thumbing its nose at the US, and two, maybe get the US to intercept it and claim they were 'attacked' first. If the US decides to intercept it, best believe Russia, Iran and China are watching closely. There is intel to be had whenever US assets are engaged. I agree...this is all really interesting. I'm really not worried about a nuclear strike or all out war. That's a no-win for everyone. I'm more interested in how this plays out internally in NK, and whether there is really some internal conflict as some defectors and insiders say. Glorious leader can't back down now, it would be a sign of weakness. Will the military go along with a NK first strike? The rationalist in me says No...they aren't eating their own dog food and know that it would be the end of NK as they know it.